DAY 3: Lydia – The Open Heart

Sometimes evangelism looks like simply showing up where people are already seeking. That’s what happened when Paul went down to the river in Philippi, expecting a place of prayer—and found Lydia. She was successful, influential, and already worshiping God. But something was missing.

Lydia didn’t need convincing that God existed; she needed someone to point her to Jesus. The Bible says, “The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message” (v.14). The Gospel didn’t crash into her world like it did Saul’s. It entered gently, as she listened with openness. That’s evangelism too—bringing truth to people already searching.

Paul’s obedience to the Spirit’s call to Macedonia led to this moment. And Lydia responded not just with belief and then with baptism, but also with generosity and leadership. She became the first recorded European convert to Christianity—a woman, in a male-dominated culture, who led the way for the Church in Europe.

We often underestimate who’s ready. Lydia reminds us that there are people in our world—neighbors, coworkers, family members—who are open and searching. The soil of their hearts is ready. They just need someone to show up and share.

Reflection Questions:

1. Who are the “Lydias” in your life—those who are spiritually open but haven’t yet encountered Jesus?
2. Are you listening for the Holy Spirit’s leading in everyday places like Paul was?
3. What would it look like to boldly offer the Gospel to someone who already seems “good without God”?